Forget sneaker trends – these 7 iconic makes have stood the test of time
21.6.2023
Translation: Katherine Martin
Got a little lost in the fast-moving world of sneakers? Don’t sweat it. Swiss sneaker expert Sergio Muster says you’ll always be able to count on these tried-and-true classics.
With a never-ending parade of new makes, new collabs and new fads, keeping up-to-date is a challenge in the sneaker scene. Want to avoid the trend cycle but still make an impression with your choice of shoes? Then go for timeless classics. Iconic makes that have stood the test of time no matter what’s currently trendy. Sergio Muster is a leading light in the sneaker field – the co-founder and CEO of Europe’s largest sneaker convention, Sneakerness. When I chatted to the 42-year-old, he named seven makes that have become an integral part of the sneaker world and explains why they’ve lasted through the decades.
Low-top or high-top, the Vans Sk8 model with its simple yet unmistakable form is one of the great classics both within and outside of the skater scene.
1. Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 is undoubtedly one of the most famous sneakers ever. «The all-white, low-top model is a relic,» Sergio says, «it’s a good fit for anywhere, any time and goes with almost any style of clothing.» When it was launched in 1982, the AF1 was marketed as a basketball shoe. However, it’s since established itself as a streetwear classic. The name, by the way, comes from the Air Force One callsign. Air Force One is what the Boeing 747 set up specially for the US president is referred to as. Officially, the call sign is automatically assigned to any US Air Force aircraft (or helicopter) as soon as a sitting President of the United States boards it.
2. Adidas Superstar
«The Adidas Superstar is, of course, a must for any list of timeless classics,» Sergio says, when discussing the shoe with its signature rubber toe cap. For a classic look, he advises going for simple colours. In other words, all-white, all-black, or black and white. The Superstar hit the shelves as a basketball shoe in 1969, breaking the dominance of Chucks a short while after. Back then, the Superstar counted NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among its fans. Nevertheless, the sneakers quickly became outdated and were forced out of the arena of professional sports. They did, however, hit the hip-hop scene in the mid-80s – and nowadays, they possess cult status.
Of all the iconic models not to stock, we sadly don’t have the classic colours in our range at the moment. Instead, there are novelty ones with animal print, glitter, studs and splashes of colour.
3. Vans Sk8
«Low-top or high-top, the Vans Sk8 model with its simple yet unmistakable silhouette is one of the great classics both within and outside of the skater scene,» Sergio says. Back when it was launched in 1978, the high-top sneaker was named Style 38. It was only the second shoe released by the brand known for its iconic sideways stripe, the «jazz stripe». The fact that the Sk8 achieved immense popularity not only in skate parks, but also in the punk and rock scene, continues to give it cultural relevance to this day.
4. Reebok Classic Leather
According to Sergio, the white Reebok Classic Leather is «one of the most timeless sneakers on the market». When it was first sold in 1983, it was marketed as a running shoe with leisurewear appeal. Basically, a sneaker that’s as good for a jog as it is for a night out with friends. The clean design can be combined in a versatile way – even with chicer looks. «I’m actually not a fan of pairing sneakers with suits,» Sergio says, «But if you want to get married in sneakers, the Classic will serve you well. The no-frills design makes a great wedding shoe.»
5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
«Chucks are legendary. People have been wearing them for generations, and in a wide variety of subcultures – from the punk scene to the hip-hop scene,» Sergio says. Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star really is over a century old already. Not only that, but it’s considered to be the first ever basketball shoe. Though launched as early as 1917, it didn’t get the name it has today until six years later. The shoe was named after Chuck Taylor, a basketball player and Converse sales rep. His signature still adorns the iconic round patches at the ankle on the Chucks.
6. New Balance 990
For Sergio, New Balance 990s are the quintessential dad sneakers: «Numerous brands released dad-style sneakers when the trend emerged about four years back. But New Balance has been doing it forever. It’s in the brand’s DNA.» Released in 1982 as a high-performance running shoe, the 990 has since become popular with sports and fashion fans alike. Its form has been continuously tweaked over the last 40 years. Right now, we’re on version six.
7. Asics Gel Kayano
Sergio’s favourites in terms of comfort are Asics: «Ever since the pandemic made the way we dress more causal in general, I’ve been wearing performance shoes like the Asics Gel Kayano more often. They’re really, really comfortable!» This is hardly surprising – after all, people were even wearing Kayanos at the Olympics. The running shoes take their name from their creator Toshikazu Kayano. First introduced in 1993, the Gel Kayano series now numbers 29 makes – some of which differ significantly. A new version is set to be released in July.
Header image: Tim Hüfner via Unsplash
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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